An APPtitude for U of T

Tips & Perspectives From Current Students About Studying at U of T

Our Student Contributors

I’m a student, I get it. With all the things you are juggling it is seems like there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done. There have been many days where I have forgotten to look up my commute route, had a tutorial location suddenly change with minimal notice, or I forgot to print my notes for class. That’s life. But truthfully, these scenarios do not have to completely throw a wrench in your day if you have access to the right resources. What might those be? I am glad you asked:

There are a number of smart phone and tablet apps that can make your day smoother… a lot smoother. Certain apps can mitigate those little life stressors that tend to accumulate and send you into blinding rage. I would like to share a few personal favorites that have been really useful throughout my undergraduate career:

1. “Mobile Learn” is the mobile version of black board. Once you log on to this application you will be able to access everything you can on blackboard using a mobile-friendly screen. This app is particularly useful if your professor posts an urgent announcement about class, you will receive it instantly on your phone or tablet.

2. “iUofT” is an app containing information about the University of Toronto (Department locations, building names, places to park, etc). I mainly use this app to look up the name or location of a building. If I have my class schedule with me, but I have forgotten to look up where a particular building is, or if I am unsure of what the buildings abbreviated title stands for, I can look up this information using this app.

3. “UTM Mobile” is an app containing information about the University of Toronto Mississauga campus. This app has a lot of cool features; some of the highlights include telling you how many laptops are available for use in the library at any given time. It also has a schedule of the drop in exercise classes. I mainly use this app because it has the UTM shuttle bus schedule on it.

4. “Go Train Mobile” is an essential app for me. In addition to containing the Go Train schedule, it also tells me what platform my train is on at union station, and provides me with service updates. There is also a “TTC Watch” app that has similar features for commuters who take the TTC.

5. “Grades” is an app that I find pretty helpful for goal setting and organization. This app used to be free, but I believe it is for purchase now. This app allows you to enter in your courses and syllabus items to calculate your current GPA. It also allows you to enter in your goal GPA, telling you what you will have to earn in each syllabus item to obtain the grade you want. I find this feature to be very motivational, when I keep my eye on the prize I feel motivated to do my best.

I should mention that all of these apps are free, with the exception of “Grades”. I hope this helps to make your week a little less chaotic. Good Luck!